A Message from Your State’s Attorney
Dear Prince Georgians:
Summer is well underway, and one of the highlights of the season is welcoming a new class of interns to our office. They are full of enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and an eagerness to learn, and it has been a pleasure watching them become part of our team. From observing court proceedings and visiting facilities like our youth detention center and the Family Justice Center to experiencing the day-to-day work of the Office of the State's Attorney, they are gaining a firsthand look at what it means to serve our community, and we are grateful to have them with us this summer.
One of the most important parts of public service is helping prepare the next generation of leaders. I hope our interns leave this experience with new skills, lasting relationships, and a greater appreciation for the impact they can have in their own communities. I know they have already made a positive impact on ours, and I cannot wait to see all they accomplish in the future.
I am profoundly grateful for your trust in me, and excited about the road ahead. My team and I remain committed to serving you, listening to your concerns, and continuing the work of making our community an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Sincerely,
Tara H. Jackson
Prince George's County State’s Attorney
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Crime Data
Below is a snapshot of Prince George’s County’s key crime data compared to this time last year*:
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Violent crime is down 8% overall
- Homicides are down 39% (includes domestic violence homicides)
- Domestic violence is up 13% overall
- Domestic violence non-fatal shootings are down 10%
- Domestic violence assaults with other weapon is down 7%
- Domestic violence assaults with no weapon is up 17%
- Robberies are down 47% overall
- Commercial robberies are down 59%
- Carjackings are down 56%
- Burglaries are down 32% overall
- Commercial burglaries are down 37%
SAO Special Victims Unit Assistant State’s Attorneys Recognized by FBI
Assistant State’s Attorneys Nina Newman and April Curry, attorneys with our Special Victims Unit, were recently recognized by the FBI at the National Security Partners Briefing for their outstanding work on cases involving vulnerable victims. Their dedication and commitment to seeking justice exemplify the mission of our office, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.
SAO Career Opportunities
The Office of the State's Attorney is seeking dedicated professionals committed to serving the community and supporting the pursuit of justice. We offer rewarding opportunities for attorneys, legal support staff, investigators, victim advocates, and administrative professionals. View current openings on the SAO Careers website.
Notable Convictions
Pierre Charaf was convicted by a jury of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence related to an attempted murder in Clinton in May 2025. Charaf faces a maximum penalty of 18 to 25 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2026.
State v. Michael McClanahan
Michael McClanahan was convicted by a jury of second-degree murder and disposal of a body in an unauthorized place in connection with the domestic-related murder of Sherron Turner in Suitland in April 2025. McClanahan faces a maximum penalty of 41 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
State v. James Stewart III
James Stewart III has been convicted by a jury of first- and second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence in connection with the murder of Deandre Stevenson and Myandre McBride in Suitland in June 2025. Stewart faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 30, 2026.
State v. Bilal Ansariddeen
Bilal Ansariddeen has been convicted of first-degree assault for his role in a coordinated stabbing attack inside the Prince George’s County Detention Center in September 2025.
Brice Wright has been convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted second-degree murder and his role in a coordinated stabbing attack inside the Prince George’s County Detention Center in September 2025.
Notable Sentencings
Eric King has been sentenced to life plus 25 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder and home invasion in connection with the domestic-related murder of Diamond Abney in Suitland in October 2023.
Noah White has been convicted of conducting visual surveillance of an individual in a private place with prurient intent and conducting visual surveillance in a private area. White was sentenced to 4 years in prison, suspending all but 3 days. Additionally, he must complete 3 years of supervised probation and is prohibited from entering and residing in college dorms.
State v. Lance Harrison Jr.
Lance Harrison Jr. has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree child abuse resulting in the death of a 2-year-old in Oxon Hill in June 2024.
Talecka Brown has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after being convicted of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree child abuse, first-degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony related to the shooting of her then-13-year-old daughter in Seat Pleasant in September 2024.
Other Notable Cases
A jury has acquitted Devonte Taylor of common law murder, attempted murder, and use of a firearm in a crime of violence in connection with the murder of Tyrone Thomas in Forestville in August 2023.
State v. Francis Xavier Holmes Jr.
Francis Xavier Holmes Jr. has been convicted of first-degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, and illegal possession after a disqualifying conviction related to the murder of Brian Speaks in Suitland in November 2024. Holmes was convicted following a second trial after the initial proceedings concluded in a mistrial. Sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2026. Holmes faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Upcoming Cases
State v. Hugo Hernandez Mendez
Hugo Hernandez Mendez was charged with common law murder, tampering with physical evidence, and burying/disposing of a body in an unauthorized place in connection with the murder of DaCara Thompson in September 2025. Mendez’s trial is set to begin September 14, 2026.
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📺State’s Attorney Jackson joined Fox 5 DC to discuss domestic violence, supporting youth victims, and the importance of safe driving on our roadways.
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Prince George’s County Police Department Citizens Police Academy Class 53
State’s Attorney Jackson recently celebrated the 35 graduates of Citizens Police Academy Class 53 and recognized their commitment to civic engagement and community partnership.
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Public Safety Community Meeting
State’s Attorney Jackson joined Senator Alonzo Washington at Sarvis Café in Riverdale to talk with residents about public safety, crime prevention, and protecting our communities from scams and fraud.
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Inaugural Surviving and Thriving Through Faith, Empowerment, and Perseverance Brunch
State's Attorney Jackson attended the Inaugural Surviving and Thriving Through Faith, Empowerment, and Perseverance Brunch hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Delta Zeta Zeta Chapter.
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Faith Temple No. 2 Baptist Church Men’s Day
State’s Attorney Jackson joined the Men’s Day celebration at Faith Temple No. 2 Baptist Church in Capitol Heights. Special thanks to Bishop LaVaughn Hughes, First Lady Hughes, and the entire church family for the warm welcome.
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Mount Rose Chapter of The Links and their 10th Anniversary Luncheon
State's Attorney Jackson celebrated with the Mount Rose Chapter of The Links for their 10th Anniversary Luncheon. Congratulations to all of the honorees, and here’s to many more years of making a difference in our community.
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3rd Annual Multicultural Festival
State's Attorney Jackson attended the County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and people that make Prince George’s County so special. Special thanks to the organizers, performers, vendors, and community members who helped make this event such a success.
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Queens Chapel United Methodist Church
State's Attorney Jackson joined the Queens Chapel United Methodist Church congregation to discuss scam and fraud prevention.
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Misdemeanor vs. Felony
Criminal offenses are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and are often handled in District Court.
Felonies are more serious crimes, such as robbery, burglary, or homicide, and are heard in Circuit Court.
Many cases begin in District Court before moving to Circuit Court.
Both misdemeanors and felonies can be heard in Juvenile Court.
Stay tuned each month as we spotlight more about our office and provide important information and updates across the criminal justice system.
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